Tennis Duo's Dad Was Suspected Of Abuse

The father/coach of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams was investigated last year for spousal abuse after his wife was hospitalized with three broken ribs, according to these newly released Palm Beach County Sheriff's reports. Though Oracene Williams told Florida cops, "I know you know what happened, but I am fearful for my daughters' careers," she declined to press charges. A sheriff's deputy noted "it is highly suspected by myself that Ms. Williams may have been assaulted by either her spouse and/or another family member." No charges were ever brought against Richard Williams, Oracene's husband and the controversial coach of the tennis phenoms. Both girls accompanied Oracene to the hospital in February 1999, but were "very evasive" when questioned separately by police about their mother's injuries. After Oracene Williams left the hospital, Florida cops tried to conduct a follow-up interview with her at the family's Palm Beach Gardens estate, but she apparently was not home (they left a domestic violence packet in the mailbox).This was not the sheriff's first trip to the Williams residence. Oracene called 911 two years earlier when she thought her husband might shoot himself with a pellet gun. At that time, a deputy gave Oracene a "Domestic Violence Legal Rights Package." (5 pages)